The Hon. Darmapriya Wijesinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I view Hon. Kins Nelson’s motion as excellent. However, we must note: procurement processes across the State—not only in co-ops—are often corrupt and irregular. The co-op sector too suffers from this. I therefore support establishing a proper mechanism.

¶ 02 After 76 years, the people have entrusted a new Government and new methodology to turn the country around. We regard the co-op movement as a key vehicle to restore livelihoods and empower society, and we are preparing plans to revive it.

¶ 03 As an Opposition Member, Hon. Nelson’s proposal aligns with our programme, and we thank him. Many Members noted that political interference and misuse have damaged co-ops for decades. Globally, some of the largest enterprises and significant agri-industrial ventures have grown from co-ops. In Sri Lanka, co-ops originally existed to procure goods and supply at fair prices; later, governments steered them into credit societies, weakening their retail role. In Gampaha, for instance, SANASA-type institutions took deposits and, under political cover, misused funds, leaving over Rs. 3 billion of people’s deposits at risk; even selling their assets would recover only about Rs. 450 million. I urge the Minister to both rebuild co-ops and also create programmes to compensate and assist those harmed. I support the motion. Thank you.